Chandler Jones or Andre Branch at #27?

[manxman2601]

I love this thread.

Chandler Jones is going to make a lot of people here look silly.

This thread is why we talk about the draft in a forum rather than doing it in a warroom.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I'm hopeful as well. A lot will depend on how Jones is used. JPP and Aldon Smith were put into near ideal situations for them and you can see the results. Jones seems to do best when he has the option to speed rush outside. During the draft, I heard the term "speed to power" and I really think it applies to Jones. Because of his height/arm length, a tackle simply can't let him get around the edge with an arm free since the risk of a strip is too great. If the tackle overstrides, Jones has the strength to push them back into the QB's lap. So even if he isn't getting sacks (and he didn't get a lot at Syracuse), he is making the pocket chaotic.

This is why Belichick trades up for Jones and trades down off of Matthews. Matthews (who also plays in a situation ideal for him) gets handled cleanly an inordinate amount of the time simply by escorting him around the pocket. The Packers accept this because of their ability to create confusion and turnovers. This would drive Belichick absolutely insane.

I also don't believe it is a coincidence that Hightower was drafted along with Jones. Hightower isn't track-fast but he is a blur and arrives with authority when rushing between the tackles.

If the Patriots run a vanilla scheme (3-4 or 4-3) like they did last year, I hate this draft. Not that the players aren't talented, but you have to unleash them to realize that talent. I'd like to see a scheme where the Pats always show 5 potential rushers (including Jones outside and Hightower inside) and rush 3-5 of them depending on the play call. If this is the case, I can see a domino effect where the DBs become more effective since the QB and protection need to think more and aren't just running constant 3-step drops to their first reads.

Jone's film showed a player able to play the pass and run and add in the long arms and I see why BB drafted him. Once Jones masters using his hands better, his ability to pass rush will get better.

Hightower's ability to track RB's out of the backfield on swing passes and check downs was the best I have seen on the college level in a long time. I think Hightower is going to not only excel in our defense, but also become a leader for our defense. I am so glad BB went back up and got him.

 

[Off The Grid]

This thread is why we talk about the draft in a forum rather than doing it in a warroom.

Heh!! Yeah...Some Brothers have Rage issues!!

 

[jsull87]

I can admit i was a bit off this year in my selections. If i remember correctly i liked Brockers at 27 and Upshaw at 31. I am pretty sure i had Jenkins in there as well.

Jones only came on my radar late and Hightower i am sorry to say was no where near my list even on draft day as i was looking for DeCastro to come in and play RG for us.

I am very happy with how our draft turned out though, wouldn't change a thing so far... ok maybe i liked Jeffery in the 2nd over wilson but he was gone thats it still no complaints

 

[Avenger]

I had Hightower going to is in a few of my mocks, some said he would not get past the Steelers, but i predicted they needed a guard more, and I was right. That was the only thing I predicted correctly though with regards to the Pats.

 

[mayoclinic]

I had Hightower going to is in a few of my mocks, some said he would not get past the Steelers, but i predicted they needed a guard more, and I was right. That was the only thing I predicted correctly though with regards to the Pats.

Good call. I didn't have DeCastro lasting that long, and I had the Steelers taking either Poe (if he lasted) or Hightower. Glad you were right and I was wrong.

 

[captain stone]

Because Bill had to pass on DeCastro to double-dip for help with his pathetic defense, 2013
must be the year that he double-dips for help on the OL, incl. an OT to replace the unreliable SeaBass.

 

[jsull87]

Because Bill had to pass on DeCastro to double-dip for help with his pathetic defense, 2013
must be the year that he double-dips for help on the OL, incl. an OT to replace the unreliable SeaBass.

Although the way you phrase it is annoying i agree with your premise, i do think that next year is a year you will see us take another tackle in one of the 1st 3 rounds if a servicable swing backup doesn't come up in FA.

 

[manxman2601]

Because Bill had to pass on DeCastro to double-dip for help with his pathetic defense, 2013
must be the year that he double-dips for help on the OL, incl. an OT to replace the unreliable SeaBass.

I agree with you that as things stand, double dipping on the OL is probably both likely and warranted. However, there is some cause for optimism. Both Solder and Cannon are not where a usual second year player should be considering the lack of a full pre-season last year. Throw in Solder playing plenty of reps at TE rather than LT and Cannon's leukemia and I'm more interested in how they progress through the year rather than judging their performances as they are right now. And who knows, Vollmer might have an injury free year. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that going into the next draft, we might be talking about OT as a position of long-term strength with three young promising players at the position.

But I will be looking at OL's this season quite closely when I watch CFB.

 

[captain stone]

Optimism re: Solder & Vollmer may be warrented; however, Marcus Cannon should never again play RT when TFB is under Center. An OT must be a top-100 priority for next year's draft.